Dutch Barn Tours
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2019 Barn reconstrution
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2020 Barn tours (new!)
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The Society's first job was to move it, a feat that entailed multiple obstacles, chief among them disassembling a sturdy but aged structure for removal, piece by piece, to its new historic site. Although a harsh winter frustrated progress, the stone foundation was formed, floor planks laid,
"As it now stands," Mr. Williams stated, "the main structure of posts and beams is chestnut with gun stock cutting on the four gable ends. These and the rafters are notched for original furring strips to which new 24" cedar shingles were attached to duplicate the original roof. All rafters are hand-lapped at the ridge and pinned. Collar beams are attached to every other roof rafter. With only minor repairs, necessitated by age, almost the entire structure is as it was found on the Backus farm. To the best of my knowledge, it is the only remaining original Dutch barn on Long Island."
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Beautiful in its simplicity, "tasting of history" with its carpenter's adze marks, wooden nails, old hardware and the patina of some 300 years, the barn stands with quiet dignity, housing its own collection of antiques, and reminding us that the past is very much a part of today.
and in the spring, the barn was rebuilt, section by section, in exact order as in the original construction, using the old Roman numeral markings chiseled in the timbers by the early carpenters.
Barn specs and drawings
SANDS-WILLETS HOUSE BARN SPECIFICATIONS (courtesy Fred Blumlein)
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SIZE: 24 ft. by 41 ft.
MATERIAL: Chestnut, Pine, Oak, Cedar, etc.
HEIGHT OF EAVES (Plate): 16 ft.
HEIGHT OF RIDGE (Above Plate): 8 ft.
5 MAIN FRAMES (Bents) POST AND ANCHOR BEAMS: 10 in. by 10 in. and 10 in. by 12 in., reinforced for added safety with iron tie rods and supports.
RAFTERS AND COLLAR TIE BEAMS: Approximately 5 in. by 6 in., supporting new 24 in. cedar shingles over wood furring strips, replacing original material which was not usable.
OLD HARDWARE from other barns was used which included hinges, door handles and south door padlock hasp.
TIMELINE
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October 14, 1977: Transfer of barn to C.N.P.H.S.
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June 25, 1978: Official barn-raising.
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September 30, 1978: Barn completed and open to public on day of "Neighboring Fair”
